Keep 'Em Comin: Hyundai Genesis Named Consumer Report's Top-Rated Upscale Sedan

The momentum is only continuing for the highly coveted 2009 Hyundai Genesis, as Consumer Reports recently crowned it the top upscale sedan in a 12-car comparison test. The Genesis beat a competitive batch of offerings, such as the Acura TL, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKS, Nissan Maxima, and Pontiac G8. Also a finalist for the 2009 North American Car of the Year title, the Genesis was praised for its luxurious refinements coupled to its unbeatable value.

"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."

The model tested was a V6 with Premium Plus package, which retails for $36,000 (destination charges included) and is powered by a 290 hp 3.8L V6. The Genesis, however, did not get a recommendation nod from CR due to the absence of reliability data. The close runner-up was the Lexus ES350.

[Source: Inside Line: Edmunds]

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Official: Hyundai releases first renderings of Equus (VI)

Hyundai has revealed the first official renderings of their upcoming flagship sedan, Equus, code-named 'VI'. The Equus is due to be officially unveiled next month in South Korea, the only country where it is expected to be sold.

The renderings do not surprise, as the recent stream of spyshots has given us sufficient clues on how the Equus would shape up. According to Hyundai's Korean statement, the car will feature LED technology in the headlights - a Hyundai first - and incorporate LED taillights as well. Similar to Mercedes-Benz, the Equus will also feature Pre-Safe seatbelts. Other innovations include Vehicle Stability Management II and Lane Departure Warning System.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the rear-view rendering.

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Hyundai Genesis Sales on Target

According to MediaPost, Hyundai has sold 5,127 units of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis has been on sale in the U.S. since July 2008, and 1,151 examples have moved off the lot in November 2008 alone.

"Genesis has helped move the needle away from how Hyundai has been perceived," Ewanick said. "Net consideration is the way we look at awareness and consideration for the Hyundai brand, and that has improved 25 percent this year alone." He also stated that 90 percent of Genesis buyers were new to Hyundai, and 40 percent migrated from luxury automakers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus.

Hyundai's marketing blitz continues as the automaker announced plans to air two 30-second commercials highlighting the upcoming 2010 Genesis Coupe, during Super Bowl next February. The ads reportedly cost over $6 million to air that day.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

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2009: 새해 복 많이 받으세요! & Happy New Year Everyone!

Sydney Harbour, Australia @ New Year's Celebration 2009

Puzzled at the post title? Well, Korean wishes for a Happy New Year are inevitable in a Korean car news blog run by a Korean guy, right? It's just past midnight here in Toronto, Canada, and I would like to wish everyone of my readers from all over the globe a Happy New Year! Let's make sure that 2009 will bring more joy into our lives and ensure it will be a memorable one like the one we just bid goodbye. Farewell 2008 and greetings, 2009!

Photo Credit: L Plater - Flickr

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Sounds Official: 2010 Kia Soul to start at $13,995

This one definitely sounds official. A memo from Kia to a dealership concerning the upcoming 2010 Soul's official U.S. price and specifications has recently been leaked, stating that it will have an astonishing base price of $13,995 including destination. What's more surprising is that the base model ain't no bare-bones stripper. Powered by a 122 hp 1.6L inline-four, the base Soul comes standard with six airbags, ABS, ESC, air conditioning, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius, and USB/AUX inputs.

One step above is the Soul+ (plus), which is equipped with a more powerful 142 hp 2.0L inline-four. Additional equipments include 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, tinted glass, body color door handles, power mirrors, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and cruise control. It starts at $14,950 for the 5-speed manual tranny or $15,900 for the 4-speed automatic.

Next up are the flagship trims: Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Both starting at $16,950 with manual or $17,900 with automatic, they feature sharp-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, upgraded stereo, and metal interior trim. The Soul! sports power moonroof and sand/black seats, while the Soul sport is packed with unique front & rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, unique red/black interior trimming, and metal pedals.

The good news doesn't stop as Kia claims that the Soul will be backed by the automaker's "most comprehensive list of accessories ever developed for a Kia vehicle." This includes a unique body kit, roof-mounted storage system, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, interior packages, and performance upgrades.

Continue reading to view the memo in the spotlight.

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Hyundai to debut Genesis Coupe in Super Bowl ads

Hyundai will debut its 2010 Genesis Coupe in the U.S. during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, next year. The carmaker will use a pair of 30 second television commercials designed to highlight the 306 hp Genesis Coupe's performance strength.

In the first spot, scheduled to air in the first half of the game, championship winning driver Rhys Millen, famous for his drifting prowess and his Pike's Peak world record, will use the Genesis Coupe to perform precision driving moves choreographed to the musical stylings of Yo-Yo Mama. The second spot will use re-edited precision driving footage matched to a completely different soundtrack to further highlight Hyundai's theme for the commercials of 'The Epic Lap'.

Both versions of the advertisement will air again during the Academy Awards next year, as well as during other special events. Additionally Hyundai will also host an online contest asking consumers to edit their own version of 'The Epic Lap'. Hyundai is reportedly spending nearly $6 million to air the two commercials.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Debut in Race-Inspired Super Bowl Advertisement

Sports Car Will Dance to Music Performed by Grammy Award-winning Cellist Yo-Yo Ma

Precision Driving Performed by World Champion Racer Rhys Millen

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America will air its first two television commercials for the new 2010 Genesis Coupe during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. The 30-second commercials will position the 300+ horsepower sports coupe as a performance machine designed to capture the hearts of automotive enthusiasts.

The two spots share the same theme, "The Epic Lap," but each offers a distinct perspective of Hyundai's newest offering to highlight both its fluid design and track-worthy performance. Precision driving performed by Rhys Millen, a Pike's Peak world record holder, Formula-D champion and professional driver, is choreographed to music performed by Yo-Yo Ma in the version airing in the first half of the game. A second musical talent will be introduced in the subsequent 30-second spot, which will feature re-edited precision driving footage matched to a completely distinct soundtrack.

"Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's most dynamic performance car ever and it is the second-consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai to debut during the Super Bowl," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "So many elements come together in these advertisements that showcase the Genesis Coupe's design and performance that we know it will cast a halo over the entire brand."

Just as the Genesis sedan set a new benchmark for the $35,000-$40,000 premium sedan segment, Genesis Coupe will provide sport coupe enthusiasts a fresh new set of performance alternatives. The Genesis Coupe offers a 30-mpg 2.0-liter model with a low-pressure intercooled four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 210 horsepower, and a 3.8-liter V6 Track model with 306 horsepower and massive Brembo brakes.

"The Epic Lap" Captures Genesis Coupe's Performance

For the Super Bowl, Hyundai elected to create two commercials that put the Genesis Coupe in the only element where drivers can safely and legally explore the upper limits of the car's awesome abilities: a race track.

As racecar driver Millen navigates the 2.54-mile, 12-turn world class road course at Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia, you hear a beautiful solo of Bach's "Cello Suite #3 in C, Gigue" performed by Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The artist will also be editing the film footage with editor Hank Corwin to make sure his interpretation of the "The Epic Lap" is brought to life.

"We have captured the spirit of Genesis Coupe in 'The Epic Lap,'" said Ewanick. "Yo-Yo Ma's interpretation is gracefully paired with Hank Corwin's artistic editing and we have done a fantastic job of showing off the sculpted, modern design of the Genesis Coupe."

Rhys Millen flogged a Genesis Coupe for three days during the filming process and the car never missed a beat. The only item that needed to be replaced on the Genesis Coupe was a set of tires.

"The Epic Lap" was created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. Both versions of the advertisement will air again during the Academy Awards(R) on February 22 on ABC and on other special events programming. Hyundai will also host an online contest asking consumers to edit their own version of "The Epic Lap." Details will be announced after the Super Bowl.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

-- Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports car
-- 306-horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 with premium fuel
-- Standard 220-horsepower turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
with premium fuel
-- Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

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